Varanasi, India. - April 2024 

The moment I stepped into Varanasi, I felt an energy unlike any other. 

This city, one of the oldest in the world, hums with life, history, and devotion. The narrow streets, filled with the scent of incense and the sounds of temple bells, guided me toward the Ganges—where the soul of Varanasi truly resides. The river flows with stories, prayers, and the hopes of those who come to seek renewal. Walking along the ghats at sunrise, I watched as the morning light turned the water into liquid gold. 

Pilgrims dipped into the sacred river, their prayers merging with the chants of priests. The rituals here are timeless, a testament to the resilience and faith of the people. In this place, life and death coexist seamlessly. Funeral pyres burn beside children playing, and the cycle of existence continues without hesitation. 

This profound embrace of life in all its forms resonated deeply with me. Jijivisha was something we learned about during our time here, particularly from our host, who spoke to us about it and introduced us to a poem by 

Dushyant Kumar that beautifully encapsulated its essence: 

One day, we will think

Was this life ever truly like this?

It was but a dream of survival,

We will have completed it one day,

By connecting it, step by step. 

Then we will realize that,

All the efforts we made,

Were for a life of completeness,

A life we once dreamed of. 

Then we will see our intentions,

The paths we chose,

Sometimes wrong, sometimes right,

But every step will remind us of the desire to live. 

We cared more about living,

Than about losing it. 

As a designer, I seek inspiration in the essence of places, in the moments that stir something within me. Here, amidst the chaos and beauty, I found the heartbeat of our Spring-Summer collection. 

The colors of the ghats, the textures of the temple walls, the fluidity of the Ganges—all these elements have seeped into our designs. Our collection is a tribute to this city and to the people who embody the spirit of Jijivisha. 

At Merely Made, we believe in creating garments that carry stories, that resonate with the experiences of those who wear them. This collection is not just about clothing—it is about movement, about resilience, about embracing life’s journey with open arms. Just as the Ganges welcomes all, our designs aim to be inclusive, timeless, and ever-evolving. 

Varanasi has left an imprint on my soul. Its lessons on life, impermanence, and celebration will stay with me long after I leave. And now, through this collection, I hope to share a piece of this journey with the world. 

Loco Hong – Designer, Merely Made

Inspiration shots with Iphone 13 - April 2024 - Varanasi, India